#1Question of the year so far: Why is the returning champ in 11th place? On paper, things look alright. Great bigs: JONeal, DwHoward, Brand (and some rebounders to boot: Varejo, Collison, Gomes), reasonable PGs (Hinrich, Williams, Claxton), 2/3 are good enough (Jefferson, Deng, Crawford, JHoward, Gordon). What’s the problem? I’d say a mix of injuries (Claxton, Howard, Jefferson) and slow starts (Brand, Gordon). While I don’t think its panic time here, as the players should pick it up soon, I also don’t think that a repeat of the championship is in the cards. Let’s say good but not great. Last year, #1 was good at trading, and built a team that had way too much talent for a 12-team league (and I almost beat him- lost by 2 3 pointers dammit!). He’ll need some of that magic again if he’s going to rise to the top.

Strengths and weaknesses: A few strengths (AST, REB, BL) are off-set by some weaknesses (3Pt, Pts, FT%- no real bonafied scorers here, he may lose these every week).

Recommendation: Trade for a premier scorer/ shooter. Try to get Allen, Arenas or Bryant (while his stock is low). Maybe package Howard (FT% killer) and a solid PG (Hinrich or Williams). (Remember, Wade is still on the table, and you rode him to glory last year. Make me an offer, 2:1.)

DrebabysJames is the ultimate building block, and the ultimate bargaining piece. If I had James, I’d be looking to land the best 2:1 deal I could get, especially if the rest of the team is somewhat mediocre. With Dreb’s the rest of the team is VERY mediocre, so James should be on his way out the door. The other premier player on the squad, McGrady, has proven to be unreliable in every way, up and down (statistically), in and out (of the line-up). Big dropoff after that. Terry, Gooden Shaq are solid 2nd tier players, but not spectacular. Pick-up of Martin for Knight was a move in the right direction, as he seems to be breaking out big-time. After these guys, the drop-off is immense. Boynkins, Livingston, Gay, Warrick, Turiaf (really?), Chandler, Thomas are borderline to even be on a fantasy roster. That’s a lot of mediocre. Last week Dreb’s was near the bottom in almost every category. I think that’s a trend you can bank on.

Strengths: don’t see manyWeaknesses: whole lot

Recommendations: 2:1 for James to get 2 solid fantasy contributors. Two guys in the 20-30 ranking range. Hope McGrady shows up.

Finish: Fighting to stay out of the basement.

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Thanks for the vibe my main Man Joe. Aprreciate your analysis. With a rookie and three second year guys, we aren't called the babys for nothing. I got an offer for James last week, but didn't think they would helpout in the long run. We we will see how it trends out on the waiver wire. Of course I'd like to win, but the fun is just playin...win or lose....

Team looks pretty balanced. Solid backcourt. So far in 5th place with a 11-6-1 record. What concern's me is that the team stats are either in the middle of the pack or toward the bottom in most stat categories.Strengths:FG% , REB, BLK ASTWeakeness: FT% ,STL, PTS, TO, 3PTM?????

Recomendations: Too many PG's on this roster. Cut Damon Stoudamire. He is about to lose his job.

I see you have Wade on the trading block in perhaps a 2 for 1 deal. I don't know if I would do that.This team does not need much other than some scoring punch. If Raja Bell gets his act together I think this team will be just fine. I think this team will finish in the top 5.

Team looks pretty balanced. Solid backcourt. So far in 5th place with a 11-6-1 record. What concern's me is that the team stats are either in the middle of the pack or toward the bottom in most stat categories.Strengths:FG% , REB, BLK ASTWeakeness: FT% ,STL, PTS, TO, 3PTM?????

Recomendations: Too many PG's on this roster. Cut Damon Stoudamire. He is about to lose his job.

I see you have Wade on the trading block in perhaps a 2 for 1 deal. I don't know if I would do that.This team does not need much other than some scoring punch. If Raja Bell gets his act together I think this team will be just fine. I think this team will finish in the top 5.

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I do thank you for the fine words. I've got a number of pieces that have been absolute no shows so far this year (Kaman, Bell, Kirilenko), and have others that will peak later (Smith). So far I've been playing the bottom of the league and so my mediocre stats have gotten me by. I don't forsee a top 5 finish without a significant overhaul. But if the no shows and late bloomers above turn it on, and Wade, Boozer, Miller and Krstic continue to play well, I could make a run.

Really this thing comes down to who's got a healthy, balanced squad come playoff time. But you've got to make the playoffs, which I think is a possibility for me.

No joke, I was already thin in the front court and now I found out that Shaq is out 4-6 weeks, Charlie Villinueva out 4-6 weeks, Richard Jefferson out 4 weeks and Larry Hughes out for at least 10 days.... Both of my teams are suffering...